Adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds



R- S. HOSMER July 26, 1966 ADJUSTABLE SURFACE CONDITIONER FOR INGOTMOLDS Filed March 26, 1964 I N VENTOR. Robe/"f 5'. HOS/I78! 3,262,669ADJUSTABLE SURFACE CONDITIONER FOR INGOT MOLDS Robert S. Hosmer, 1241Shades Crest Road, Birmingham, Ala. Filed Mar. 26, 1964, Ser. No.354,979 4 Claims. (Cl. 249197) This invention relates to aself-adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds and moreparticularly to a means for preventing molten metal from splashing ontothe inner surface of a mold as it is poured therein.

An object of my invention is to provide a surface conditioner for ingotmolds which shall. include a sleeve-like member which is adapted tofloat on the surface of the molten metal as it is introduced into themold, together with means maintaining constant contact between thesurface conditioner and the inner surface of the mold whereby thesurface conditioner moves upwardly in a generally straight line withoutlateral deflection relative to the inner walls of the mold.

Another object of my invention is to provide an adjustable surfaceconditioner for ingot molds of the char.- acter designated in whichmovable parts of the surface conditioner are self-adjustable in responseto introduction of molten metal into the surface conditioner, therebyassuring satisfactory operation of the apparatus at all times.

A further object of my invention is to provide a surface conditioner foringot molds of the character designated which shall be simple ofconstruction, economical of manufacture and one which is particularlyadapted for 'storage and shipment in knock-down form whereby theapparatus requires a minimum of space for shipment and storage.

I-Ieretofore in the art to which my invention relates, various deviceshave been proposed to eliminate surface defects on ingots which arecaused by molten metal being splashed onto the inner surface of the moldduring the initial pouring operation. Such devices have included rigidsleeve-like members and the like which are positioned within the mold.However, such devices are unsatisfactory due to the fact that as themolten metal is poured into the mold, the sleeve-like member moveslaterally in an irregular direction within the mold whereby the moltenmetal strikes the top or sides of the sleeve to thereby increase thesplashing effect on the inner surface of the mold.

To overcome the above and other defects, I provide a self-adjustable,floating surface conditioner which is provided with means to maintainconstant contact between the inner surface of the mold and the surfaceconditioner whereby the surface conditioner moves in a straight-linevertical direction as the molten metal is poured inwardly of thesurf-ace conditioner. Accordingly, the molten metal is always introducedadjacent to the central portion of the expandiblc surface conditioner.

Apparatus embodying features of my invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a mold having my improved surfaceconditioner therein and showing the position thereof during the initialpouring stage;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 butshowing the position of the surface conditioner after some molten metalhas been poured;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 33of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 44of FIG. 2;

United States Patent 3,262,669 Patented July 26, .1 966 FIG. 6 is a topplan view showing a modified form of my adjustable surface conditioner;

FIG; 7is a vertical sectional view showing another modified form of myadjustable surface conditioner;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmental view, partly broken away and insection, showing the manner in which the outwardly projecting arms ofthe apparatus shown in FIG. 7

engage the inner surface of the mold; I

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmental view showing another modified form ofmy invention;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing a further modified form ofmy invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 1111 of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view showing a still further modifiedform of my invention; and,

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line1313 of FIG. 12.

Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention,I show an ingot mold 10 which maybe of a big-end-up type, as shown inFIG. 1 or the little-end-up 1 type, as shown in FIG. 7. In FIGS. l-5, Ishow the surface FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmental view taken generallyalong the line 55 of FIG. 3;

conditioner as being in the form of a sleeve-like member 11 which.comprises two sections 12 and 13 which are of a generally U-shape, asviewed in cross section, as shown in FIG. 4. The section 12 comprises abase portion 14 and inwardly extending legs 15 and 16. The section 13comprises a base portion 17 and inwardly extending legs 18 "and 19 whichare adapted to slidably engage the legs 15 and 16, as shown in FIG. 4.Preferably, the outer surface of the sleeve-like member 11 flaresoutwardly toward the lower end thereof, as shown, whereby any moltenmetals striking the inner surface of the sleeve-like member is directeddownwardly and inwardly whereby it does not engage the inner walls ofthe mold. The molten metal, indicated generally at 21, is introducedinto the central portion of the sleeve-like member 11 by suitable means,such as a ladle 22.

The lower portion of the sleeve-like member 11, indicated at 23, ispreferably formed of a high temperature resistant material whereby thereis no deterioration of the portion of the sleeve-like member 11 which issubmerged in the molten metal. The lower portion 23 may be formed of anysuitable material, such as a high-heat ceramic or refractory material.

From the foregoing description, the operation of the apparatus shown inFIGS. 1-5 will be readily understood. As the molten metal 21 isintroduced into the upper end of the sleeve-like member 11 it engagesthe bottom of the mold 10 and thus splashes upwardly against the innersurface of the sleeve-like member whereupon it is directed inwardly anddoes not engage the inner surface of the mold 10. As the molten metal iscontinuously introduced into the mold, the sleeve-like member 11 movesfrom the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2whereupon the sleeve-like member 11 expands due to the introduction ofthe molten metal inwardly of the sleeve-like member. That is, as themolten metal is introduced inwardly of the sleeve-like member 11 theslight build up of the molten metal inwardly of member 11 exerts anoutward force on the inner surface of the sleeve-like member 1 1. Thatis, as the sleeve-like member -11 moves upwardly in the big-endup mold10, the sections 12 and 13 move outwardly relative to each other wherebythe base portions 14 and 17 remain in constant contact with the innersurface of the mold 10 to thereby assure straight-line vertical movementof the sleeve-like member as it moves upwardly in the mold. Accordingly,the upper edges of the sleevelike member 11 move in a straight-linevertical direction and do not move to a position beneath the downwardlypoured metal 21, thereby assuring that all of the molten metal is pouredinwardly of the sleeve-like member 11 and does not contact the upper orouter edges thereof.

In FIG. 6 of the drawing, I show a modified form of my invention inwhich a sleeve-like member 11 is provided with sections 12 and 13 Thesection 12" is provided with a base portion 14 and legs 15 and 16 Inlike manner, the section 13 is provided with inwardly projecting legs 18and 193%. With each of the sections 12 and 13 the base portions arehingedly connected to their respective leg portions as at 24. Also,suitable hinge connections 26 are provided in the legs,-as shown,whereby the outer surface of the sleeve-like member 11 is adapted toconform to the inner surface of the ingot mold. Also, if desired, ahinge connection 27 may be provided in either of the base portions, asshown, to further accommodate the outer surface of the sleeve-likemem'ber 11 to the inner surface of the mold.

In FIG. 7 of the drawing, I show a modified form of my invention inwhich a sleeve-like member 11 is positioned within a little-end-up mold10 Instead of the sides of the sleeve-like member 11 moving outwardly orinwardly to accommodate itself to the internal dimensions of the mold, Iprovide a plurality of outwardly and upwardly extending arms 28 whichare pivotally connected at their inner ends by pivot pins 29 to suitablebrackets 31 carried by the sleeve-like member 11 The upper ends of thearms 28 carry suitable weights 32 whereby the outer ends of the armsbear firmly against the inner surface of the mold 10 Accordingly, as themolten metal is poured inwardly of the sleeve 11 it floats on the top ofthe molten metal 21 whereupon the arms 28 move inwardly in response toupward movement in the little-end-up mold 10 It will be apparent thatthe sleeve-like member 11 is also adapted for use in a bigend-up mold.

In FIG. 9 of the drawing, I show the arm 28 as carrying a roller 33 inposition to engage the inner surface of the mold 10*. That is to say,the arm 28 may slidably engage the inner surface of the mold 19 as shownin FIG. 8, or be provided with the roller 33 which engages the innersurface of the mold.

In FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawing, I show another modified form of myinvention in which a sleeve-like member 11 is mounted within a mold 10.The sleeve 1-1 is provided with openings 34 therethrough for receivingelongated support members 36. The inner end of each support member 36carries a batfie-like member 37 and the outer end of each elongatedsupport member 33 carries a contact member 38 which is adapted to engagethe inner surface of the mold '19 whereby the sleevelike member 11 ismaintained adjacent the longitudinal center of the mold 10 as it movesupwardly therein in response to introduction of molten metal. That is,upon introducing molten metal into the upper end of the sleeve- =likemember 11, the molten metal engages the inner surface of the baffle-likemember 37 whereupon the elongated support members 36 are moved outwardlyand the contact members 38 engage the inner surface of the mold 10 atall times as the sleeve-like member 11 is elevated therein in responseto introduction of molten metal.

In FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawing, I show a still further modified formof my invention in which a sleevelike member 11 is mounted within a mold10. The bottom of the mold is provided with an inclined surface 39whereby any molten metal engaging the same is directed in the directionof the arrow 40, thus preventing any high splashing of the molten metal.While Ihave shown the inclined bottom 39 only in FIG. 12 of the drawing,it will be apparent that the inclined bottom 39 may be employed on allof the other molds.

The sleeve-like member 11 is in the form of a cylindrical member havingoverlapped arcuate end portions 41 and 42. The outside dimension of thesleeve-like member 11 may be varied by merely causing relative slidingmovement between the arcuate end portions 41 and 42. To limit relativemovement between the arcuate end portions 41 and 42, I provide anelongated slot 43 in the arcuate end portion 42 and provide an outwardlyprojecting detent -44 on the adjacent surface of the arcuate end portion41, as shown in FIG. 13. The detent 44 thus projects into the slot 43whereby it is adapted to move the entire length of the slot. Preferably,two of the arcuate slots 33 and pins 44 are provided, as shown in FIG.12.

All of my embodiments operate in substantially the same manner in thatthe outer portion of the sleeve-like member, whether it be the sides ofthe sleeve-like member or the outwardly projecting arms 28 or contacts38, engage the inner surface of the mold so as to limit lateral movementof the sleeve-like member as it moves upwardly in a generally straightline. It will thus be seen that as the molten metal is poured inward-1yof either of the sleeve-like members, the floating sleeve moves upwardlyin response to the rise in level in the molten metal Within the mold.The outer dimensions of the sleevelike member remain in firm engagementwith the inner walls of the mold regardless of the inner contour of themold. That is, if the mold is a big-end-up mold, the overall size of thesleeve-like member 11 will increase as the elevation of the molten metalrises. On the other hand, with a little-end-up mold, the overalldimensions of the sleeve-like member will decrease as the elevation ofthe molten metal rises.

While I have shown the heat resistant material 23 as being applied onlyto the sleeve-like member 11, it will be apparent that such may beapplied to either of the other embodiments. Also, the entire sleeve-likemember may be formed of a refractory material. Furthermore, if it is notdesired to use the sleeve-like member for another pouring, thesleeve-like member may be formed of a combustible material whereby itprevents the splashing of metal onto the inner surface of the moldduring the initial pouring stages and then decomposes during the latterpouring stages.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised an improvedsurface conditioner for ingot molds which automatically accommodatesitself to the interval contour of the mold in which it is positioned. Byproviding an expandible'sleeve-like member which is self-adjustable, theunit is adapted for use on all type ingot molds, thus eliminating thenecessity of providing special units for the different type molds.Furthermore, by providing a surface conditioner which floats adjacentthe top of the molten metal at all times, the major portion of the unitremains out of contact with the molten metal, thereby greatly increasingthe life of the unit.

While I have shown my invention in several forms, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptibleof various other changes and modifications Without departing from thespirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitationsshall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appendedclaims.

What I claim is:

1. A self-adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds comprising:

(a) a generally rectangular, floating sleeve-like member havingupstanding side walls and disposed to telescope inwardly of a mold inposition to receive molten metal and float upwardly therein in responseto introduction of molten metal into said sleeve-like member, and

(b) said sleeve-like member being composed of two ections, said sectionsbeing of. U-shaped form in horizontal cross-section and being open atthe top and bottom, the legs of one U-shaped section embracing the legsof the other U-shaped section in sliding relationship to permitexpansion of said sleeve-like member in response to variation in theinside dimensions of the mold as the sleeve-like member floats upwardly.

2. A self-adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds as defined inclaim 1 in which portions of each U-shaped section are hingedlyconnected to each other whereby each section is adapted to conform tothe inner surface of the mold as molten metal is introduced into thesleevelike member. 1

3. A self-adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds as defined inclaim 1 in which the portion of the sleeve-like member which engages themolten metal is formed of a high temperature resistant material.

4. A self-adjustable surface conditioner for ingot molds as defined inclaim 1 in which the floating sleeve-like member is provided with adownwardly flaring inner surface.

Martinov Niestradt FOREIGN PATENTS France. France. Germany. Germany.

Great Britain.

MARCUS U. LYONS, Primary Examiner.

1. A SELF-ADJUSTABLE SURFACE CONDITIONER FOR INGOT MOLDS COMPRISING: (A)A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR, FLOATING SLEEVE-LIKE MEMBER HAVING UPSTANDINGSIDE WALLS AND DISPOSED TO TELESCOPE INWARDLY OF A MOLD IN POSITION TORECEIVE MOLTEN METAL AND FLOAT UPWARDLY THEREIN IN RESPONSE TOINTRODUCTION OF MOLTEN METAL INTO SAID SLEEVE-LIKE MEMBER, AND (B) SAIDSLEEVE-LIKE MEMBER BEING COMPOSED OF TWO SECTIONS, SAID SECTIONS BEINGOF U-SHAPED FORM IN HORIZONTAL CROSS-SECTION AND BEING OPEN AT THE TOPAND BOTTOM, THE LEGS OF ONE U-SHAPED SECTION EMBRACING THE LEGS OF THEOTHER U-SHAPED SECTION IN SLIDING RELATION TO PERMIT EXPANSION OF SAIDSLEEVE-LIKE MEMBER IN RESPONSE TO VARIATIONS IN THE INSIDE DIMENSIONS OFTHE MOLD AS THE SLEEVE-LIKE MEMBERS FLOATS UPWARDLY.